With it's specific technique of stretching and toning the muscles to their full range, strongly targeting the deeper muscles of the body and fully concentrating on the breath and movement, Pilates can profoundly transform your body shape.

Muscles will tighten and deeply tone, particularly flattening the abdomen, and problem areas like tummy, thighs, hips, buttocks, backs of the arms will be toned whilst bulky muscles will be lengthened.

This is unlike other workouts where clients often claim that despite all their hard work, they have "gotten bigger" or "puffed up." Pilates focuses strongly on stretching and leaning out the muscles, giving the appearance of a more slender body. One is left feeling lighter, lithe, taught and toned like a ballet dancer.

Posture will greatly improve, giving the illusion of more height and many enthusiasts claim they feel they've grown taller.

The medical fraternity have been very excited about the positive benefits of Pilates for spinal rehabilitation and for the reduction of back pain.

Primarily, the Pilates technique brings about STABILITY AND BALANCE in the pelvis and spine, leaving it less vulnerable to compression on discs or incorrect movement in the pelvis.

Abdominal control is a strong focus, with the understanding that strength of abdominals gives support and stability to the spine and pelvis. Muscles greatly focused on here are the transversus and external and internal obliques.

Muscles of the pelvic floor as well as the gluteals are also engaged for greater stability of the pelvis.

CORRECT STRETCHING is also an important part of the technique, particularly on muscles such as the latissimus dorsi and iliopsoas, as tightness in these areas may result in a constricted spine, often with discal pressure and pain occurring.

POSTURE is also a key component to the technique, with much focus on alignment, body awareness and muscle tension. Often, poor posture alone can result in back pain.

The specialised equipment in the Pilates technique enables the injured person to sit or lie comfortably, with appropriate support and then go about their exercises to strengthen and tone their body, without hurting the injured area.

Many a back pain sufferer is greatly relieved to know that they can still work out and keep in shape without hurting themselves further. By performing the Pilates technique the body is stabilised, imbalances are corrected, muscles are lengthened and posture is improved. Soon, the body is freed of pain, movement range is increased, daily tasks become easier to perform and pain and fragility is diminished. Thereafter individuals are then able to resume their sporting or work activities, with more strength, support and freedom of movement.